Pat Ament is a well-known and internationally respected rock climber and boulderer. In 1965 and 1966, he pioneered the first climbs of a 5.11 grade, and did Yosemite's first 5.11 route in 1967. For over 30 years he has been a creative, eloquent, and prolific writer in the climbing world, publishing some 30 books and many articles and essays. A graduate of the University of Colorado Creative Writing Program, Ament has had eight of his essays included in international anthologies of the best climbing writing.